8 Minute dating for gay men
Successful dating concept crosses over to gay community

If you're anything like me, dating can be a dubious proposition. Every time I go to a bar, I generally have an entourage in tow - and, instead of introducing myself to strangers I'm generally talking about them with my friends.

I don't really belong to any clubs and I work too much to parade up and down Tremont Street on a sunny afternoon. As for those on-line dating services, the ones that allow pictures of men spreading their ass frighten me and the rest of them are for people who are, well, just as pathetic as me.

Besides, unless you're willing to give it up instantly on Manhunt, the entire process of emailing, then phone calling, then coffee, then the easy let down is simply too time consuming.

Enter 8 Minute Dating.

It's a whole new concept in dating, especially for the professional set. Already this social event cum singles night, which was conceived and tested time and again with straight folk, has won the accolades of Boston singles and even the Improper Bostonian

It's been rolled out all over the country, generally to good reviews. In fact, if you believe the 8 Minute Dating web site, as many as 60% of attendees have a date after attending. Not bad. And now, owner Tom Jaffe is bringing the concept to gay guys with a premier outing (no pun intended) at Fire and Ice on Sunday, July 28.

"It's just really easy," says Jaffe. "Just go to the website, click on 'gay men', follow the links and register." From there, you're sent a confirmation letter with more details. Confused? No need, we got the 411 for ya. Here's the deal. After you register, you may want to spend a couple hours assessing your wardrobe.

Choose something casual, but not tattered. If you purchased it AFTER it had already been washed with stones, with rips in the knees, or if it says Abercrombie anywhere, this may not be your scene. Remember, you're about to meet professional guys (like yourself), 25-40 years old, who want to be impressed.

Next, hoof it over to Fire and Ice (205 Berkley and just around the corner from Club Café should you get the jitters). After you check in with the event organizer there is time to mingle with other participants, enjoy complimentary appetizers or enjoy a drink from the cash bar.

Once everyone checks in, the dating begins. According to the 8 minute web site, you then have four 8 minute dates -one on one conversations with other single men. At the end of the fourth date there is a 20-minute intermission. During this time you can mingle and meet other men that you have had your eye on! Then, there are four more dates after the intermission.

Each participant has a 'dating card' where he can enter vital information such as the potential that one of his dates has for a) dating; b) friendship; or c) a business contact. Isn't that clever? Even if you don't find the man of your dreams, you might find a new job with better pay.

"I mean, you might actually decide very quickly that this guy has no date potential, but you might just find something else," Jaffe explains. After the last date all participants are invited to stay and enjoy the bar or go upstairs to have a Fire + Ice 8 minute Dating dinner special after the event.

Jaffe said that there are no surveys or criteria that are used to match guys up. Since the event is targeting professional men between the ages of 25-40, well, you get the picture. If you're looking for an indigent drifter, a bedazzled twink, or White Mountain daddy, stay home. "What we are basically offering is a good time. It's a party and just comfortable conversation. There's no interview and no one is getting grilled," said Jaffe.

"There really should be nothing embarrassing about it. It's like going to a bar. Sure you might bump into people you know, but who cares? This is the bar scene made better. "Instead of going in and just hanging with your friends and spending a fortune on martinis, you actually have the chance to meet somebody. We're just helping you work the room."

8 Minute Dating for gay men in Boston, Sunday, July 28 7:08 p.m.. $28.88 ($33.88 after July 23) For more information visit http://erlang.voxel.net/ or call 617-905-5811.

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